MNI BRIEF: China Pushes Back On EU Overcapacity Accusations

The EU needs “less accusations and more communication” with China if the two sides are to expand two-way market access, strengthen government procurement and deepen supply chain cooperation, according to He Yongqian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday, pushing back on recent European Commission President von der Leyen's comments about China’s overcapacity. 

He told reporters the remarks of European leaders were not a true reflection of the positive progress made in China-EU economic and trade relations. China has actively expanded imports from Europe through platforms such as the China International Import Expo, bringing more market opportunities to EU companies, He added. 

China’s economy will face headwinds in the second half as export demand weakens and property remains subdued, policy advisors and economists told MNI, calling for stronger measures to stimulate domestic demand and stabilise prices. (See: MNI: China's GDP Faces H2 Growth Challenges)